Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for meeting the Devlin family some months ago and offering them an opportunity to appear before the joint committee. I also thank members for the interest they have shown in this issue.

I thank the committee members for the interest they have taken in the subject and the contributions they have made.

I became aware of this issue when Ms Catriona Devlin rang me shortly after the accident. She was frantic with worry and hugely distressed. She was very anxious because she could not access services. As a mother, she knew that Conor needed support and she wanted back the Conor that she had. Then her training and qualifications as a nurse obviously kicked in. She knew particularly that there were interventions that would improve Conor's situation. At that stage I do not think that any of the family realised that with intervention he could have made such progress.

The reason they are here today is to point out what happened to Conor. He was extremely ill - he had life-threatening injuries. Because of his mother's persistence he got access to services and today we can see the benefits of that. That is the most important lesson to be learnt. There are other children of Conor's age who have similar accidents and are not as fortunate as Conor. We have a responsibility and an obligation to young people to fill the gap in the service.

This is a very powerful story. Today the family have given a concise view of what happened. It has been very informative, constructive and helpful. The recommendations made today are ones the committee should incorporate in its report. The committee should use its influence to ensure these recommendations are brought to the attention of the HSE and to the Minister to ensure we get an improvement in these services.

Deputy Catherine Byrne spoke about two lovely girls. Just before we came I spoke to Paul and Conor Devlin. I said they were looking fine and dandy - very cool with their shoes and hairstyles. Let me assure Deputy Byrne that Paul is quite busy. We might arrange an interview at a later stage.

The important thing is that the committee follows up on this issue and uses its position to get an improvement.